Commenting ahead of the second reading of the Private Members Bill from Mike Amesbury MP on the Education (Guidance about Costs of School Uniforms) Bill in the House of Commons, Cllr Judith Blake, Chair of the Local Government Association’s Children and Young People Board, said:
“People should never be in a position where they are worried about applying to the best school for their child because they’re worried about the cost of the uniform.
“We have long argued that all schools must follow a common-sense approach. But every year we hear of some schools insisting that parents buy a wide range of compulsory items, from branded blazers to specific socks. This can push the overall cost of a uniform and PE kit into hundreds of pounds, and for many families, that is simply too expensive.
“Allowing parents and carers to choose uniform items widely available on the high street, making school logos available as sew-on patches, and having a plain sports kit that can be used for a range of different sports can really make a difference.
“It’s also important that parents and carers know that they have the power to influence schools over their uniforms, and they should feel able to speak to school governors if they think a uniform is too expensive or too hard to get hold of. Parents should not need to be pushed into debt in order for their children to look smart.”
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